Press Releases

National Bank Teams Up with Fondation de l’Institut Nazareth et Louis-Braille to Create the Étienne-Beauclair National Bank Scholarship

Rimouski,
31 May 2013 -

National Bank is proud to team up with the Fondation de l’Institut Nazareth et Louis-Braille to create the Étienne-Beauclair National Bank Scholarship, in honour of an inspired and inspiring young man. The annual $15,000 scholarship will be granted to someone living with a visual deficiency who has an innovative, creative and entrepreneurial project.

Mr. Beauclair was 14 when he was diagnosed with brain cancer, which caused his blindness. He has wanted to live his dreams to the fullest, as tragically, his days are numbered. It was therefore in the presence of numerous guests, including his parents who work at the National Bank branch in Rimouski, that Étienne's dream came true, with the launch of his adaptation of the board game Battleship for the visually impaired.

"It is with a great deal of emotion that I am assuming the role of representative for National Bank for the creation of the Étienne-Beauclair National Bank scholarship. This initiative is, of course, intended to support entrepreneurial projects by Quebec youth living with visual impairments who are also shining examples of determination,” stated Robin Ratthé, Regional Vice-President, Lower St. Lawrence/Gaspé/Îles-de-la-Madeleine. “Our partnership with the Fondation de l’Institut Nazareth et Louis-Braille will also continue, and will now become a tribute to a brave and resilient young man. Just the fact that Étienne is here today with us is worthy of our admiration."

Each year, National Bank supports hundreds of Canadian organizations through donations and sponsorships. It is particularly committed to young people through its One for Youth program, ensuring they are healthy and have the tools they need to become engaged citizens committed to building a better world. To learn more about the initiatives supported by the Bank and its employees, visit youth.nationalbank.ca.

About National Bank of CanadaWith $185 billion in assets as at April 30, 2013, National Bank of Canada (www.nbc.ca), together with its subsidiaries, forms one of Canada’s leading integrated financial groups, and was named among the 20 strongest banks in the world by Bloomberg Markets. The Bank has close to 20,000 employees and is widely recognized as a top employer. Its securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). Follow the Bank’s activities via social media and learn more about its extensive community involvement at clearfacts.ca and commitment.nationalbank.ca.

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